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Diets, Nutrition and Poverty: The Indian Experience

Author

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  • Raghav Gaiha
  • Raghbendra Jha
  • Vani S. Kulkarni

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the Indian experience with dietary changes, their nutritional implications, and policy response to alleviate nutritional deprivation. We review the evidence on nutrient intake and dietary changes, particularly the downward shift in calorie, protein and other nutrient intake over the period 1993–2004 and provide a demand based explanation of this shift. We report on eating out as an aspect of dietary transition, examine the relationship between calorie deprivation and poverty, and argue against delinking of the two. We analyse poverty nutrition traps, whether child undernutrition is underestimated and the double burden of undernutrition and obesity. We examine the (potential) contribution of National Rural Guarantee Scheme and Public Distribution System in mitigating the extent and severity of undernutrition. We emphasize that food security entails a right to certain policies to ensure food entitlements, as opposed to a narrow interpretation of the right to food in terms of state provisioning of these entitlements. Conclusions from a broad policy perspective are delineated.

Suggested Citation

  • Raghav Gaiha & Raghbendra Jha & Vani S. Kulkarni, 2010. "Diets, Nutrition and Poverty: The Indian Experience," ASARC Working Papers 2010-20, The Australian National University, Australia South Asia Research Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:pas:asarcc:2010-20
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    File URL: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/acde/asarc/pdf/papers/2010/WP2010_20.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. T. N. Srinivasan, 1994. "Destitution: A Discourse," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 32(4), pages 1842-1855, December.
    2. Raghav Gaiha & Raghbendra Jha & Vani S. Kulkarni, 2010. "Obesity, Affluence and Urbanisation in India," ASARC Working Papers 2010-10, The Australian National University, Australia South Asia Research Centre.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pinaki Das & Sk Md Abul Basar, 2020. "Are the Non-poor Households Nutritionally Secure? An Assessment from NSSO Unit Level Data in India Between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012," Indian Journal of Human Development, , vol. 14(2), pages 182-201, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Diet; Nutrition; Engel Curves; India;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty

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